Mr Whites English Chophouse comes to the Gay Village

Big news from Gay Village stalwart Velvet following their recent 250k refurbishment of the bar earlier this year.

Marco Pierre White is to open a brand new restaurant on Canal Street, Manchester following a major investment by KRO Hospitality.

Called Mr. White’s English Chophouse, the restaurant will be located in the Velvet Hotel that included the hugely popular Velvet Restaurant.

Due to open in April, the menu focuses around steaks and grills and combines English classics alongside the French flair that epitomises Marco’s cooking style, resulting in him becoming the youngest chef to achieve three Michelin stars.

Mr Kim Eivind Krohn, owner of KRO Hospitality said: “Having taken over the iconic Velvet Hotel,Restaurant&Bar we’re now investing a significant amount of time and capital to open this fantastic new restaurant in what is one of Manchester’s most vibrant and exciting places to go out.

“It’s the perfect setting being close to all the major attractions of the city centre and the elegant surroundings of the new restaurant will make this a great place to come and enjoy some classic British food.

“To bring someone as iconic and important as Marco Pierre White to the centre of Manchester is something that will provide the area a huge boost in terms of attracting people looking for somewhere to eat and enjoy their leisure time.

“It should not be underestimated what it means for both the area and city.

“Velvet Bar, which has just undergone a major refurbishment, is a separate entity to the restaurant and will continue to trade as normal.”

Commenting on the new restaurant Marco said: “What’s appealing about the chophouse is its simplicity. The menu is very simple and the whole idea is to be generous with the portions and to make things affordable.

“It’s hard to beat classic British food and that is exactly what the Chophouse centres on alongside a fine collection of wines, cocktails and beer.”

The Manchester Chophouse is the second to open in the UK and closely follows a new venue in Whitechapel, London.

When open, restaurant goers will be able to choose from a range of succulent joints alongside some well-loved British classics.

Starters include Hickory smoked baby back ribs, Rillettes of duck with green peppercorn and Seared sea scallops with black pudding.

Staying true to the English chophouse the menu features a selection of meats and some of Marco’s personal favourite dishes. These include The pig mixed grill with English mustard sauce, Roast rump of lamb a la Dijonnaise, Roast chicken a la forestiere and The Governor’s fried haddock and triple cooked chips.

There will also be a range of 35-day aged steaks including Rib eye, Sirloin and Fillet plus a delicious roast chateaubriand for two.

Those with any room left can then indulge in a sumptuous dessert including The Box Tree Mess, Alex James ’cheese collection including No 1 Cheddar&Blue Monday cheese with sherry soaked fruitcake and Espresso affogato.

Kim Eivind added: “Mr White’s Chophouse is about authentic, uncomplicated food served in chic surroundings and it’s going to be a great addition to Manchester’s restaurant scene.” Kim also stresses that "Velvet are very much still involved, with the same team including Tom our Head chef, who has 22 year's service since opening of Velvet, Diane, Restaurant manager, with 16 years at the venue and Jamie, Previous Restaurant manager, now reception supervisor with 12 year's service.

There will of course, be new personnel involved and training in London with Marco's team has already started in earnest".

In addition, the Hotel refurbishment will be starting in the next few weeks and KRO are also looking at other venues in Manchester.

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